Tricalcium silicate hydraulic cement materials such as the well-known mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) are biocompatible materials with high-sealing ability and have been used for various reparative purposes in dentistry, including root-end ﬁlling, sealing perforations, treating open apices, and direct pulp-capping.1 Primarily composed of tricalcium silicates, MTA cements are radiopaque materials that form a self-setting calcium silicate hydrate mix when manipulated with water.2

The first formulation of MTA (1995) was composed of gray Portland cement with the addition of bismuth oxide powder as a radiopacifier. MTA has been recognized as a bioactive material that is hard tissue conductive, hard tissue inductive, and biocompatible, so the applications of this material have been rapidly expanding in dentistry. Despite such good characteristics, the first generation of MTA repair material presented some drawbacks, including difficult handling properties, a long setting time, and an unfriendly delivery method. The multipurpose use of MTA demanded the development of improved formulations. A shorter setting time and better washout performance were desired, so the clinician could feel confident that the product had set before the procedure was finished and wouldn’t be flushed out by water or blood. Considering the importance of the ideal flowability that a repair material should have to reduce the difficulty of handling and delivering, a high-plasticity MTA cement was developed with the aim of improving these characteristics.

Released in 2015, MTAFlow™ cement (Ultradent Products Inc.; South Jordan, Utah, Figure 1) is a bioactive repair material that represents a second-generation MTA with improved mixing/delivering properties. Keeping the same biological characteristics of the original MTA, this product presents advantages in the plasticity during mixing and versatility in terms of syringe-cannula delivery. The main differences in the presentation of MTAFlow are the particle size of the di- and tricalcium silicate powder and the viscosity of the water-soluble silicone-based gel. The use of antiwashout gel aims to increase viscosity and the resistance of particles to external water solutions while enhancing physical properties such as compressive strength, reduced setting time, and porosity. According to studies,3,4 the water-based gel in conjunction with the small particles facilitates manipulation and insertion into the cavity when compared with first-generation MTA, while showing biocompatibility and the ability to form biomineralizated tissue, representing an alternative to the conventional MTA.

Tricalcium silicate cements such as MTAFlow are now considered the materials of choice for vital pulp therapy. Histologic studies have demonstrated dentin-pulp regeneration without pulp inflammation in human teeth.5 The therapeutic use of these materials in direct pulp-capping implies their straight application on the underlying fibroblasts that have been reported to play a significant role in initiating pulp regeneration.6

A clinical direct pulp-capping application of MTAFlow is described in the numbered list.

Direct pulp-capping

Assess the pulp vitality and pulp inflammatory stage (normal, reversible, or irreversible pulpitis) using an ice test before anesthesia.

Complete a cavity preparation outline under rubber dam isolation.

Excavate all carious tooth structure using a round bur at low speed or use hand instruments.

Gently rinse the exposed pulp with sterile saline solution.

Control hemorrhage with pressure on the exposed pulp using a cotton pellet moistened with saline (Figure 2). If the hemorrhage/bleeding is abundant and cannot be controlled, correlate with the initial ice test result. In cases of suspected irreversible pulpitis and uncontrolled bleeding, consider a pulpectomy rather than a conservative procedure.

Using a metal cement spatula, gradually mix the 2 drops of gel into 2 big measuring spoon ends (0.26g) of powder until the chosen consistency is obtained. Thoroughly mix with the spatula to ensure all the powder particles are hydrated. Add more powder or liquid during or right after mixing to achieve the desired consistency (Figure 4).

Remove the cap and plunger of the clear Skini syringe. Take small portions of the mixed MTAFlow with the mixing spatula, and insert the cement in the back part of the barrel. Replace the plunger back to the barrel (Figure 5). The mixed MTAFlow inside the syringe capped can be used for up to 15 minutes after mixing. Be sure there is no air inside the syringe

Approximately 5 minutes after application, dry with a gentle blast of air (using ¼ to ½ air pressure). Note than now MTAFlow has an opaque surface. Place a light-activated liner (Ultra-Blend® Plus liner ) or a flowable composite (PermaFlo® composite) over the MTAFlow (Figure 7).

What makes MTAFlow different than other second-generation MTA cements? See a product profile by Ultradent here.

Author Info

Carlos A. Spironelli Ramos, DDS, MS, PhD, graduated in dentistry in 1987 in Brazil, then soon after received a scholarship to study in Japan. He finished his residency in endodontics in Brazil in 1990. From 1991 to 1993, he attended the master’s program in endodontics, receiving a Master of Science degree. He then began the PhD program in endodontics, completing it in 1997, the same year he published his first book. From 1995 to 2012, Dr. Ramos worked as a professor of endodontics at the State University of Londrina, where he coordinated the endodontics sector. During this same time, he published three books and wrote more than a dozen chapters for various endodontics books. Dr. Ramos performs many lectures, hands-on workshops, and conferences worldwide each year and has visited over 40 countries.

Disclosure: Dr. Ramos is currently the Senior Endodontic Advisor at Ultradent Products in South Jordan, Utah.